A Galaxy tablet might also join in the company's Indiana Jones-like makeover.

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According to the Wall Street Journal, Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch a water- and dustproof version of its Galaxy S 4 smartphone this summer. The handset would be called the Galaxy S 4 Active, but its chassis would continue to resemble the handset as it appears now.

The handset maker is also reportedly planning to launch the rugged device alongside an 8-inch tablet with similar capabilities, which may arrive later this year to join the 7- and 10.1-inch devices that make up Samsung's tablet family, as well as the 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Note variant. The move will apparently be in an effort to help boost the company's appeal to corporate and government-centric clientele in all-terrain environments, like war zones.

It's unclear whether either the phone or the tablet might launch alongside the compact version of the Galaxy S 4 in July. Rumors have begun cropping up about a Galaxy S 4 Mini that would apparently feature a smaller design like a 4.3-inch display with a 960×540 resolution. It is also thought to feature an 8 megapixel camera, Android 4.2.2 with Touchwiz Nature UX (like on the Galaxy S 4), and a quad-core processor, though the manufacturer remains unknown (or rather, the manufacturer has not been the object of speculation).

Pre-orders for the Galaxy S 4 have apparently been four times higher than for its predecessor, the Galaxy S 3, though carriers like T-Mobile and Sprint are delaying the launch due to supply issues. Samsung cites an "overwhelming global demand of Galaxy S 4" as the reason behind its handset shortage. AT&T continues to stay on board, however, and it plans to offer the handset in its retail locations this weekend.

I've been waiting for someone to make something like this. I remember standing next to a waterfall on a hike about two years ago with my then new HTC Radar, and literally I was thinking "You know I'd actually like to be able to use my phone for a shot right now, but I can't risk it."

Nor do I feel comfortable with taking it on other things where it might get ruined. That being said, if I'm doing something where such is a concern the Radar already feels a little big and chunky, and it's a decently slim 3.7" affair. I don't think I'd be getting a Galaxy S4 to lug around on a hike or have it comfortably sit somewhere convenient to listening to music to while on a bike ride with how huge it is. Love to idea, maybe it will inspire someone that still makes a reasonably sized phone to do something similar.

Whatproof and dustproof I can understand (these thoughts pass my mind no matter which mobile I have) but fireproof?My phone getting burnt to a crisp and me making it out alive... then going and picking it up to use it really never once crossed my mind.

Whatproof and dustproof I can understand (these thoughts pass my mind no matter which mobile I have) but fireproof?My phone getting burnt to a crisp and me making it out alive... then going and picking it up to use it really never once crossed my mind.

this is a welcome thing. there's no good reason why they can't do what watch makers have been doing, make the device water resistant. Even if they put "no immersion please" caveats, and back it up with a special water-damage related warranty (more in a sec), making more efforts to lifeproof the phone are welcome.

optional extra applecare for 4S was shorter (2 total years instead of 3) but they cover accidental damage and water damage (albeit with deductible). Could see Samsung putting in exclusions that they plan to ignore (please don't immerse for longer than it takes to claw it out of a toilet) and making a water-covered ("life" covered) extended warranty exist but be slightly more pricey.

anyway, I'm a fan. and, this is something else that they are doing that apple hasn't really done yet. I'll probably supplement my Nexus 4 with a new iphone next time, but maybe not.

I've been waiting for someone to make something like this. I remember standing next to a waterfall on a hike about two years ago with my then new HTC Radar, and literally I was thinking "You know I'd actually like to be able to use my phone for a shot right now, but I can't risk it."

Nor do I feel comfortable with taking it on other things where it might get ruined. That being said, if I'm doing something where such is a concern the Radar already feels a little big and chunky, and it's a decently slim 3.7" affair. I don't think I'd be getting a Galaxy S4 to lug around on a hike or have it comfortably sit somewhere convenient to listening to music to while on a bike ride with how huge it is. Love to idea, maybe it will inspire someone that still makes a reasonably sized phone to do something similar.

That's what I have a small Panasonic waterproof camera. It takes better pictures too than a phone

Well, this has been dependent on newly recent developments over the last 2-3 years in "nonwetting" coatings for stuff -- "oleophobic" and "hydrophobic" coatings -- they reject oils and water.

Think "Rain-X" for devices.

Some of the companies have advertised individual-level post-purchase conversions -- about 40-100 bucks iirc -- you send your phone in, they take the phone apart, apply the coatings, then put it back together -- so it's no surprise that Samsung has arranged to have it done to some of their phones before sale.

I have no idea what price-point Samsung is going to apply to this, but if it's more than a hundred bucks, you should buy the "non-Active" version of the S4 and just send it out to be done on your own.

now this sounds like something worth upgrading to. before i got my S3 i tried out the samsung rugby smart, which is their current "life proof" phone. unfortunately the hardware was so sub-par that it would freeze up and need a battery pull to reset just from web browsing or even unlocking the phone. if they can give me the durability and waterproofing of the rigby smart with the guts of a flagship phone i may have to go find that Fry "shut up and take my money" meme

"Pre-orders for the Galaxy S 4 have apparently been four times higher than for its predecessor"

Are you responsible for the Samsung public relation and propaganda or what? Four times to what? Do you realize that reporting an increase factor without giving a reference is just stupid and makes you appear to be a PR doll sent by Samsung? Come on, what is that?

And do you know why you are not giving a reference number for comparison? It's because the dictatorial Samsung won't say nothing about the real numbers of pre-ordes and sales, and it's just manipulating the media to spread fud.

why would a water- and dust-proof smartphone only be of major appeal to "corporate and government-centric clientele in all-terrain environments, like war zones"? do normal people like their tech to be susceptible to these things? jesus christ, when will tech manufacturers get it?

why would a water- and dust-proof smartphone only be of major appeal to "corporate and government-centric clientele in all-terrain environments, like war zones"? do normal people like their tech to be susceptible to these things? jesus christ, when will tech manufacturers get it?

I don't think it has to do with people wanting the devices, it just happens to get in the way of Planned Obsolescence. Anything can happen with kids spilling something, spraying you with a hose, burying it in the dirt, etc. In hospitals, similar high-intensity scenarios: being dropped on concrete, knocked over by ailing patient, etc. Those are dollar signs if the person didn't buy insurance. I'm also excited for those newfangled sapphire screens to help balloon tablet costs or keep them hovering (like new college text-books every two years with little to no content changes). We definitely don't want them getting too cheap; it's not as much of an endorphin rush when you can afford it.

Samsung has already released two IP67-certified Xcover phones. I haven't personally used the Xcover 2, but from what I've seen and read it's a good upgrade to my kid's Xcover.

Best i can tell, this is gunning after the Sony phones (and the Panasonic Eluga). Meaning they may withstand water and dust, but i worry about how well they can handle a drop (or having something dropped on them).

why would a water- and dust-proof smartphone only be of major appeal to "corporate and government-centric clientele in all-terrain environments, like war zones"? do normal people like their tech to be susceptible to these things? jesus christ, when will tech manufacturers get it?

I don't think it has to do with people wanting the devices, it just happens to get in the way of Planned Obsolescence. Anything can happen with kids spilling something, spraying you with a hose, burying it in the dirt, etc. In hospitals, similar high-intensity scenarios: being dropped on concrete, knocked over by ailing patient, etc. Those are dollar signs if the person didn't buy insurance. I'm also excited for those newfangled sapphire screens to help balloon tablet costs or keep them hovering (like new college text-books every two years with little to no content changes). We definitely don't want them getting too cheap; it's not as much of an endorphin rush when you can afford it.

That may have applied when phones were bricks with numpads and limited storage. Now they are heading towards being the primary computing device and life organizer for many, and so having one go byebye in a drizzle is no longer acceptable.

Samsung has already released two IP67-certified Xcover phones. I haven't personally used the Xcover 2, but from what I've seen and read it's a good upgrade to my kid's Xcover.

Thank you for this post. I'd never heard of this product before - no marketing in the US, I'm guessing. Definitely one to consider despite the less than ideal screen and low inbuilt storage (good thing Samsung still believes in removable battery covers and microSD).

Samsung has already released two IP67-certified Xcover phones. I haven't personally used the Xcover 2, but from what I've seen and read it's a good upgrade to my kid's Xcover.

Thank you for this post. I'd never heard of this product before - no marketing in the US, I'm guessing. Definitely one to consider despite the less than ideal screen and low inbuilt storage (good thing Samsung still believes in removable battery covers and microSD).

"Pre-orders for the Galaxy S 4 have apparently been four times higher than for its predecessor"

Are you responsible for the Samsung public relation and propaganda or what? Four times to what? Do you realize that reporting an increase factor without giving a reference is just stupid and makes you appear to be a PR doll sent by Samsung? Come on, what is that?

And do you know why you are not giving a reference number for comparison? It's because the dictatorial Samsung won't say nothing about the real numbers of pre-ordes and sales, and it's just manipulating the media to spread fud.

I think it is very apparent that Ars means the Galaxy S3 being that is the predecessor to the S4.

Also I don't believe Ars cited a source for the 4 times higher number. It could be the usual suspects reports coming from Mobile Phone stores or it could be Samsung...Though if it were Samsung I would expect a news conference on that sort of thing.

Samsung is cited about the delays though. And specifically on global supply constraints. Sounds to me like you got a chip up your shoulder.

"Pre-orders for the Galaxy S 4 have apparently been four times higher than for its predecessor"

Are you responsible for the Samsung public relation and propaganda or what? Four times to what? Do you realize that reporting an increase factor without giving a reference is just stupid and makes you appear to be a PR doll sent by Samsung? Come on, what is that?

And do you know why you are not giving a reference number for comparison? It's because the dictatorial Samsung won't say nothing about the real numbers of pre-ordes and sales, and it's just manipulating the media to spread fud.

Lool, you realise he gave the reference in the quote you used right? He said the pre order numbers were 4 times higher than its predecessor (the S3). You sound like a stupid kid throwing a tantrum dude...

I hope this waterproof/dustproof concept works out well and makes it on to future flagship phones from Samsung. I may be alone in this, but the first thing I did after getting my Galaxy S3 (and Galaxy S, for that matter) was go out and get a square trade warranty

Forget water- and dust-proof, what about drop-proof? Although, that might just be me and my Nexus 4 talking...my second Nexus 4.

Only way to minimize drop damage is to get one of those gaudy rubberized cases that triples the thickness.

This isn't really true. It's one way to do it, but not the only one. As I've pointed out in other threads, the biggest issue is making the glass edge-to-edge, thus exposing it to more of the force when dropped (it's most likely to land on a side or corner; landing flat on its face or back wouldn't have been an issue in the first place in most cases). Simply by increasing the size of the bezel so that the glass doesn't extend all the way to the edge can make a significant difference in drop-resistance. Case in point, I can't count the number of times I dropped my HTC Desire, and the screen was still flawless when I sold it in January (though the corners of it were scratched to hell, that doesn't much matter, since the screen itself was untouched). On the other hand, I dropped my S3 from about half a meter and the case was pretty much untouched, but most of the top edge of the glass was splintered, a small diagonal crack coming from the corner, and more splintering down the left edge (maybe 1.5cm), it took weeks to work out all the lose shards of glass that would slash me open while using it. Luckily the damaged parts are outside the display area, but there wouldn't BE any damaged glass if it simply hadn't been extended all the way to the edge of the device.

In the end, sure, giant rubberized casings are probably the MOST effective way to protect against drops, but for the vast majority of situations there are much more practical solutions that have zero effect on screen area, device size, or device weight.